Three Kenyan referees to officiate CHAN 2025
Three Kenyan referees have been selected to officiate at the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a prestigious tournament scheduled for February 1–28 and co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Center referees Dickens Mimisa and Peter Waweru Kamaku, alongside assistant referee Samuel Kuria, were among 63 officials shortlisted for a rigorous CAF training program in Cairo, Egypt.
The 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) will take place from February 1 to 28, hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. This tournament will serve as a critical test run for the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the trio will also host.
Kenya will have three match officials at CHAN 2025, highlighting the country’s growing influence in African football officiating. Center referees Dickens Mimisa and Peter Waweru Kamaku, alongside assistant referee Samuel Kuria, have been selected to officiate the tournament.
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Their selection came after a rigorous five-day training program organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt, from December 4 to 9, 2024. The program assessed 63 referees and resulted in the selection of 26 center referees, 22 assistant referees, and 10 Video Assistant Referees (VAR) for the competition.
Dickens Mimisa
Dickens Mimisa is a renowned Kenyan referee with experience in domestic and international football. In 2023, he was named Male Referee of the Year at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Awards.
Mimisa’s international credentials include officiating the AFCON qualifier between Mozambique and Mali on November 15, 2024. Other notable matches he has officiated include:
- CAF Champions League: Djoliba vs. ASKO de Kara (September 14, 2024)
- CAF Confederation Cup: Egypt vs. Burkina Faso (Fourth Official, March 6, 2024)
- AFCON Qualifier: Comoros vs. Côte d'Ivoire (Fourth Official, March 28, 2023)
- CAF Champions League: Cotonsport vs. Al Ahly (Fourth Official, March 17, 2023)
- Friendly Matches: Zambia vs. Zimbabwe (March 23, 2024) and Kenya vs. South Sudan (March 13, 2021)
Peter Waweru
Peter Waweru is a distinguished referee and a scholar, holding a PhD in Pure Mathematics. His dual expertise in football and academia has earned him widespread recognition.
Waweru began officiating in Kenya's lower leagues in 2011 and became FIFA-listed in 2017. Since then, he has risen through the ranks, officiating high-profile matches such as:
- AFCON 2022: Gabon vs. Comoros (January 10, 2022)
- CHAN Final 2021: (February 7, 2021)
- World Cup Qualifier: Botswana vs. Mozambique (November 16, 2023)
- CAF Champions League: Al Ahly vs. TP Mazembe (April 26, 2024)
Samuel Kuria
Samuel Kuria has established himself as a dependable assistant referee in Kenya, officiating major domestic fixtures such as the Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia.
Kuria’s recent inclusion in the CAF training program in Cairo and subsequent selection for CHAN 2025 marks a significant step forward in his career. It is a testament to his skill and potential to excel on the international stage.
